What's On — SymphonyHall events

Dorridge Music School 25th Anniversary Concert
More Info Book Tickets
Sun 21 Mar 7:00pm Symphony Hall

A night of music, dance and voice. Over 300 musicians and dancers will perform numbers from the musicals including _Wicked, Les Miserables_ and _We Will Rock You_ with a finale of Motown songs and Elgar. The show also features a guest Michael Jackson tribute act. A great night out for the whole family.
Saregama presents Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan & Group Simply Rahat
More Info Book Tickets
Mon 22 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Following the death of the great Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, an artist who reached out to millions of people across the globe, the mantle of Nusrat’s genius fell upon the shoulders of his nephew Rahat. Rahat’s ecstatic vocals are the result of years of training at the feet of his superstar uncle, and he's also world-famous for his forays into Bollywood. After a sell-out performance with the CBSO in autumn 2009, Rahat now returns with his group of twelve musicians to perform a mixed repertoire of memorable Qawwalis and his greatest Bollywood hits, from _Akhiyan Udeek Diyaan_ and _Saason Ki Mala Se Simroon Mein_ to _Jag Soona Soona Laage_ and _Jiya Dhadak Dhadak_ from blockbuster films _Om Shanti Om_ and _Kalyug_, respectively. Expect an unforgettable evening as he and his extraordinary ensemble transport you into the rapturous realms of spiritual discovery.
*Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan* _main vocalist_ *Wajahat Ali Khan, Farhat Ali, Asif Maqbool Chishti, Ghulam Abbas, Ali Raza* _chorus_ *Muhammad Shafique* _chorus & harmonium_ *Rashid Ali* _saxophone_ *Salman Ashraf* _bass guitar_ *Nadeem Ashraf* _drums_ *Suleman Ali* _keyboard_ *Amir Ali* _tabla_ *Ghulam Shahbaz* _dholak_
Muti Conducts Beethoven
More Info Book Tickets
Tue 23 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

There have been few more glamorous conducting careers than that of Riccardo Muti, who has conducted the world’s greatest orchestras and spent nearly twenty years as director of La Scala, Milan. Tonight he appears at Symphony Hall for the first time, conducting two towering Beethoven masterpieces: the majestic Eroica Symphony and the timeless Violin Concerto, played by one of the finest violinists of his generation, Joshua Bell. Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall, says of tonight’s recommended concert: _“Riccardo Muti and Joshua Bell go back a long way. When the violinist was just fourteen years old it was with Maestro Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra that he made his debut.”_
*Philharmonia Orchestra* *Riccardo Muti* _conductor_ *Joshua Bell* _violin_
*Beethoven* Violin Concerto 42’ *Beethoven* Symphony No 3, _Eroica_ 50’
Jethro Tull In Concert
More Info Book Tickets
Wed 24 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

After forty one years at the bottom, at the top and various points in between, Tull are still performing typically more than a hundred concerts each year. Ian Anderson and Martin Barre remain at the centre of a group of sometimes changing but highly capable " indeed excellent " musicians. Currently, Doane Perry, veteran Tull drummer of some 24 years experience, together with John O’Hara on piano and accordion, and David Goodier on bass guitar are to be found in the line-up, delighting audiences and continuing the legacy of Tull’s music with its rich variety and depth of expression wherever fans, young and old, want to hear Rock, Folk, Jazz and Classical-inspired music for grown-ups.
CBSO Tuned In: The Firebird
More Info Book Tickets
Thu 25 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

The CBSO presents a performance of _The Firebird_ with a difference, as broadcaster Stephen Johnson gives a guided tour of Stravinsky’s famous score. Discover how the composer creates his astonishing sounds, hear how the music works, and learn the story of how Stravinsky only got the gig because his teacher Liadov was too lazy! - all illustrated with live music from Andris Nelsons and the full CBSO. Then, after the interval, enjoy a complete performance of _The Firebird_. A real eye (and ear) opener - perfect for aficionado and novice alike.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Stephen Johnson* _presenter_
*Liadov* Baba Yaga 3’ Introduction to _The Firebird_ - with live orchestral examples 45’ _interval_ *Stravinsky* _The Firebird_ (1910 version) 44’
Last Night Of The Spring Proms
More Info Book Tickets
Sat 27 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Welcome the new season with this superb concert bursting with popular classics and a rousing finale of all your Proms favourites. With Proms Favourites including Rule, Britannia! Nessun Dorma Land of Hope and Glory Colonel Bogey March Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines There’ll Always Be An England
Jonathan Stoughton _tenor_ James McOran-Campbell _baritone_ Stephen Bell _conductor_ LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA
*ROSSINI* Barber of Seville Overture Largo al factotum *BIZET* Duet _from The Pearl Fishers_ Farandole _from L’Arlesienne_ *SUPPE* Light Cavalry Overture *ELGAR* Chanson de Matin *GRIEG* Morning and In the Hall of the Mountain King *STRAUSS* Blue Danube Waltz *MENDELSSOHN* Spring Song *DI CAPUA* O Sole Mio *TCHAIKOVSKY* Polonaise _from Eugene Onegin_
Tuned On Seminar: A Musician's Digital Image
More Info
Mon 29 Mar 6:00pm Symphony Hall

Everyone seems to be on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other social networks. How important is it for those within music to have a digital identity? How important is it for artists and organisations to connect with an audience via the web? Are the traditional methods of media becoming more fashionable? BBC Radio 1 and Asian Network DJ Bobby Friction, Ghetts, who has over two million profile views on MySpace, and Amelia Ideh, who runs the music and lifestyle blog Put Me On It, will discuss the importance of the digital age for musicians looking to build their image.
DJ Bobby Friction Ghetts Amelia Ideh
CBSO Alfie Boe with the CBSO
More Info Book Tickets
Tue 30 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Whether as the composer of theme tunes from _Blackadder_ to _The Vicar of Dibley_, or as a wonderfully accessible TV champion of classical music in all its forms, Howard Goodall is one of Britain’s best-loved composers. And his new tuneful and deeply moving Requiem, _Eternal Light_, has already become a bestseller. This performance, with star soloists Alfie Boe and Natasha Marsh, will show you why. Alfie Boe also sings Finzi’s radiant masterpiece. 6.15pm. Free pre-concert talk: *Howard Goodall* The popular conductor, composer and broadcaster introduces his new Requiem.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Simon Halsey* _conductor_ *Natasha Marsh* _soprano_ *Alfie Boe* _tenor_ *William Berger* _baritone_ *CBSO Youth Chorus*
*Holst* Choral Hymns from the _Rig Veda_ 12’ *Finzi* _Dies Natalis_ 25’ *Howard Goodall* _Eternal Light_ (Requiem) 45’
The Solid Silver 60s Show
More Info Book Tickets
Wed 31 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

The UK’s original 60s show returns to Symphony Hall in its 25th sensational year. Expect all your favourite 60s hits including _The Crying Game_, _Little Things_, _Sweets for My Sweet_, _Needles & Pins_, _Twist and Shout_, _Do You Love Me_, _Where Do You Go To My Lovely_, _Frozen Orange Juice_, _Wild Thing_, _Love is All Around_, _Hippy Hippy Shake_, _Good Golly Miss Molly_ and many more.
*Dave Berry* *Mike Pender* *Brian Poole* *Peter Sarstedt* Backed by *Vanity Fare* with *Swinging Blue Jeans* and *The Troggs*
CBSO Alfie Boe with the CBSO
More Info Book Tickets
Thu 1 Apr 2:15pm Symphony Hall

Whether as the composer of theme tunes from _Blackadder_ to _The Vicar of Dibley_, or as a wonderfully accessible TV champion of classical music in all its forms, Howard Goodall is one of Britain’s best-loved composers. And his new tuneful and deeply moving Requiem, _Eternal Light_, has already become a bestseller. This performance, with star soloists Alfie Boe and Natasha Marsh, will show you why. Alfie Boe also sings Finzi’s radiant masterpiece. 1.15pm. Free pre-concert talk: *A Century of British Choral Music* Chorus Director Simon Halsey introduces today's choral matinee.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Simon Halsey* _conductor_ *Natasha Marsh* _soprano_ *Alfie Boe* _tenor_ *William Berger* _baritone_ *CBSO Youth Chorus*
*Holst* Choral Hymns from the _Rig Veda_ 12’ *Finzi* _Dies Natalis_ 25’ *Howard Goodall* _Eternal Light_ (Requiem) 45’
Good Friday St John Passion
More Info Book Tickets
Fri 2 Apr 2:00pm Symphony Hall

This year Symphony Hall develops the long tradition of its Good Friday passion performances by turning to Bach’s St John Passion. Enduring in its emotional appeal, there are few who remain unmoved by the glorious music. BBC Music magazine’s Editor Oliver Condy explains why he has recommended tonight’s concert: _“In a world that often recognises Bach’s St Matthew Passion as the composer’s greatest choral work, his St John has a tricky time getting a look in. But the St John contains some of Bach’s most colourful and emotional music ... this concert will make for a poignant Good Friday.”_
*Ex Cathedra Soloists, Choir and Baroque Orchestra* *Jeffrey Skidmore* _conductor_ *Jeremy Budd* _Evangelist_ *James Rutherford* _Jesus_ *Greg Skidmore* _Pilate_ *Grace Davidson* _Soprano_ *Matthew Vennr* _Alto_ *Samuel Boden* _Tenor_
*J S Bach* St John Passion 115’
ULTRAVOX Return to Eden part 2
More Info Book Tickets
Tue 6 Apr 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Due to phenomenal public demand, Ultravox revisit Symphony Hall, in the aptly named _Return To Eden Part II_, following amazing fan reaction, very high critical acclaim and stellar reviews from the media. The band’s line up of Midge Ure, Chris Cross, Warren Cann and Billy Currie, will only perform 6 shows across the UK. Fans can look forward to the band performing material from all their albums, including _Vienna_, _Rage in Eden_ and _Quartet_ and material not covered in the last tour. Ultravox were one of the primary exponents of the British electronic pop music movement of the early 1980s.
The Soldiers - The Coming Home Tour With special guest stars Faryl Smith, Julian Smith and Rock Choir
More Info Book Tickets
Wed 7 Apr 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Following the success of The Soldiers debut album “Coming Home” which has phenomenally dominated the charts, the three serving soldiers will play Symphony Hall this April.
Dennis Locorriere with special guests Andy Fairweather Low & the Low Riders
More Info Book Tickets
Fri 9 Apr 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Dennis Locorriere, lead singer on all the Dr Hook classic hits, notched up over 60 gold and platinum albums along the way. He now has a successful contemporary solo career with solo releases, international tours and major appearances at festivals, including Glastonbury and Cropredy. This concert sees him joined by his own band and coincides with the release of his latest CD _Post Cool_. Andy Fairweather Low enjoyed pop stardom as lead singer with Amen Corner, followed by a worldwide solo career. A fantastic guitar player, Andy has played with major stars including Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. Andy recently reignited his solo career releasing two CDs and a live DVD, and now tours regularly with his own band.
Go West The 25th Anniversary Concert
More Info Book Tickets
Sat 10 Apr 7:30pm Symphony Hall

In 2010 Go West will celebrate 25 years since their debut single _We Close Our Eyes_ was released. The song reached number four in the UK charts, and became a top ten hit in the USA. Their debut self-titled album, Go West sold 1.5 million copies worldwide and established the pair not just as a chart force but as one of the great singer/songwriter duos to emerge in the 80s. In 1992 their fourth album _Indian Summer_ was more mellow, justifying more than ever their early description by legendary producer Arif Mardin as _modern Motown_. This album contained their single _The King Of Wishful Thinking_, the opening song in the hugely successful film Pretty Woman as well as the hit _Faithful_.
CBSO Pictures at an Exhibition
More Info Book Tickets
Wed 14 Apr 7:30pm Symphony Hall

When Maurice Ravel arranged Mussorgsky’s _Pictures at an Exhibition_ for orchestra, he created one of the few adaptations that’s better than the original! From its famous opening _Promenade_ to the roof-raising final _Great Gate of Kiev_, it’s one of the all-time great orchestral showpieces, a glittering Russian jewel-box full of spicy tunes and unforgettable images. It’s a real CBSO favourite - and Dvorák's riotous _Carnival Overture_ is every bit as colourful. The great open spaces of Beethoven’s noble violin concerto will be like an oasis of calm - especially in the masterly hands of the young German virtuoso Isabelle Faust.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andrew Grams* _conductor_ *Isabelle Faust* _violin_
*Dvořák* _Carnival_ Overture 8’ *Beethoven* Violin Concerto 42’ *Mussorgsky (orch. Ravel)* _Pictures at an Exhibition_ 32’
Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique
More Info Book Tickets
Thu 15 Apr 7:30pm Symphony Hall

_Symphonie Fantastique_ dramatises unrequited love. In this colourful score Berlioz depicted the fantasies of a spurned lover, ranging through a glittering ball, love in a meadow during the drowsy heat of the afternoon, an execution and a supernatural encounter in a churchyard at night. Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall, says of tonight’s recommended concert: _“Every year Classic FM asks you to vote for your favourite classical works in our Hall of Fame. One of the works I like to vote for each year is the Grieg Piano Concerto and one of my favourite recordings of it is by tonight’s soloist Jean-Yves Thibaudet.”_
*Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra* *Emmanuel Krivine* conductor *Jean-Yves Thibaudet* piano
Berlioz Overture, _Roman Carnival_ 8’ Grieg Piano Concerto 28’ Berlioz _Symphonie Fantastique_ 50’
Mozart's Requiem
More Info Book Tickets
Fri 16 Apr 7:30pm Symphony Hall

The circumstances under which Mozart’s Requiem was composed have all the elements of Gothic fantasy. Commissioned by a mysterious stranger, it was still being written by Mozart on his deathbed and is one of his most iconic works. The Academy of Ancient Music brings a special dark hue to this music, using the original instruments of Mozart’s own time. Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall, says of tonight’s recommended concert: _“If you’ve ever thought about introducing a friend or family member to the wonders of classical music, then this could be the concert to take them to. It’s a real taste of the immensely diverse works that Mozart produced.”_
*Academy of Ancient Music* *Richard Egarr* _soloist/director_ *Katharine Fuge* _soprano_ *Barbara Kozelj* _mezzo soprano_ *James Gilchrist* _tenor_ *Christopher Purves* _bass_
*Mozart* Overture, _Don Giovanni_ 5’ Piano Concerto No 25 28’ Requiem 50’
CBSO Pictures at an Exhibition
More Info Book Tickets
Sat 17 Apr 7:00pm Symphony Hall

When Maurice Ravel arranged Mussorgsky’s _Pictures at an Exhibition_ for orchestra, he created one of the few adaptations that’s better than the original! From its famous opening _Promenade_ to the roof-raising final _Great Gate of Kiev_, it’s one of the all-time great orchestral showpieces, a glittering Russian jewel-box full of spicy tunes and unforgettable images. It’s a real CBSO favourite - and Dvorák’s riotous _Carnival Overture_ is every bit as colourful. The great open spaces of Beethoven’s noble violin concerto will be like an oasis of calm - especially in the masterly hands of the young German virtuoso Isabelle Faust.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andrew Grams* _conductor_ *Isabelle Faust* _violin_
*Dvořák* _Carnival_ Overture 8’ *Beethoven* Violin Concerto 42’ *Mussorgsky (orch. Ravel)* _Pictures at an Exhibition_ 32’
The Armed Man Featuring The Black Dyke Band and The Halifax and Sheffield Choral Societies
More Info Book Tickets
Sun 18 Apr 7:00pm Symphony Hall

An evening of music from the world's most successful brass band. A first half of wonderful classics including Walton's _Crown Imperial_, Suppé's _Poet and Peasant_, Rossini's _Largo Al Factotum_ featuring Tuba virtuoso Joseph Cook, and, as finale to the first half, Wagner's _Procession to the Minster_. Black Dyke are joined in the second half by two of the finest choral societies in Britain, conducted by John Pryce-Jones, in Karl Jenkins’s acclaimed _The Armed Man_.
*Black Dyke Band* *Dr Nicholas J. Childs* and *John Pryce-Jones* _conductors_ *Halifax Choral Society* *Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus*